Oxnard · Zoning · R-3
Oxnard R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Oxnard's R-3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (3 stories) tall and the front setback is 20 ft, with the conditions listed below (Oxnard code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (15 ft if access to all parking is from an alley)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft for 1-2 story buildings, 7.5 ft for 2.5 story buildings
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 2,400 sq. ft.
R-3 is a zoning district in Oxnard. Every value below was read from the Oxnard Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in R-3
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 35 ft § 16-23 · code textTable row “Height permitted”, column “R-3”: Three stories up to 35 ft. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 16-23 · code textTable row “Height permitted”, column “R-3”: Three stories up to 35 ft. |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: 15 ft if access to all parking is from an alley § 16-23 · code textTable row “Front yard setback”, column “R-3”: 20 ft.; 15 ft. if access to all parking is from an alley |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft for 1-2 story buildings, 7.5 ft for 2.5 story buildings § 16-23 · code textTable row “Interior yard side yard setback”, column “R-3”: 5 ft. for 1-2 story buildings, 7.5 ft. for 2.5 story buildings |
| Minimum rear setback | 25 ft § 16-23 · code textTable row “Rear yard setback”, column “R-3”: 25 ft. |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 2,400 sq. ft. § 16-23 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area/density”, column “R-3”: 2,400 sq. ft. of lot area for each dwelling unit. See Section 16-24 for additional requirements |
Uses in R-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Apartment building — Needs a development design review permit
- Bed and breakfast — Needs a special use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a special use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-3:
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — if access to all parking is from an alley § 16-23
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage, FAR limit for R-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Oxnard Municipal Code.
Other Oxnard zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Oxnard's R-3 zone?
35 ft — Oxnard Municipal Code § 16-23.
What is the maximum number of stories in Oxnard's R-3 zone?
3 stories — Oxnard Municipal Code § 16-23.
What is the minimum front setback in Oxnard's R-3 zone?
20 ft (15 ft if access to all parking is from an alley) — Oxnard Municipal Code § 16-23.
What is the minimum side setback in Oxnard's R-3 zone?
5 ft for 1-2 story buildings, 7.5 ft for 2.5 story buildings — Oxnard Municipal Code § 16-23.
What is the minimum rear setback in Oxnard's R-3 zone?
25 ft — Oxnard Municipal Code § 16-23.
General information, not legal advice.
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